By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN chief Antonio Guterres on Friday urged the international community to “cultivate a culture of peace” as the global conflicts escalates, deepening divisions and growing crisis.
Guterres was speaking at the annual Peace Bell Ceremony, he warned that war is spreading, inequalities are growing, and new technologies are being weaponized without safeguards.
He stressed “International institutions must be better positioned to respond.”
Guterres appeal followed ahead of a pivotal moment for global cooperation.
Global leaders will gather for the Summit of the Future, a landmark event to tackle the pressing challenges impacting human rights, climate change and security, military technology and efforts to achieve the SDGs back on track.
He emphasized “We have a chance for change in short, we must ‘cultivate a culture of peace’.
Guterres said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace will be marked on 21 September.
“It is a cause all us devotees of peace and justice must rally behind, this day and everyday through the Summit of the Future and beyond,” he said.
International Day was established in 1981, the General Assembly declared that it should be devoted to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.
World body designated the International Day as a time of non-violence; called for ceasefires worldwide in 2021.
Philémon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, underscored the need to restore trust and solidarity among nations.
He noted conflicts and crises mounting – from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti and elsewhere – adding that people are “desperately looking for a glimmer of hope”.
“Let us ring the Peace Bell today and send a message of hope for peace. Let us work towards tolerance and dialogue,” he urged.
He added that in so doing, we can also accelerate progress towards sustainable development and ensure universal respect for the human dignity of everyone, everywhere.
The ceremony included the traditional ringing of the Peace Bell, which was cast in the 1950s from coins and medals donated by people all over the world, including the Pope, as a symbol of hope for peace.
The Bell is rung twice a year: on the first day of spring, at the Vernal Equinox, and to commemorate the International Day for Peace.
The Peace Bell has sounded on other special occasions, such as on 26 April 2011 to mark 25 years of Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident.
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